MAC 2008 Update
Click here for the latest online updates from TrailBlazer.
Important Upcoming Dates – Update to Include Dark Day Information
The effective date for Part A and Part B claim files submitted that will require new contractor IDs changed as follows: Part B Texas – June 11, 2008* ; Part A Colorado, New Mexico and Texas – June 14, 2008.
Click here for more information.
*Note: Part B electronic claims submitted between June 11 and June 16, 2008, will be held due to J4 implementation. TrailBlazer will systematically release claims into the standard processing system, in date received order, after June 17, 2008. It is anticipated this process may take several days. Even though these claims will be held, they will be Julian dated appropriately and payment to providers should not be delayed.
J4 A/B MAC Web/Communications Changes Beginning June 13, 2008
The Jurisdiction 4 (J4) A/B Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) implementation for Part A and Part B providers in Texas and Part A providers in Colorado and New Mexico is scheduled for June 13, 2008. As part of the transition and consolidation process, providers are notified of the following upcoming changes:
June 13, 2008 – J4 MAC Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) Migrated
On June 13, 2008, the J4 MAC LCDs posted on the J4 MAC LCD Web page will be migrated to the regular TrailBlazer LCD Web page.
After June 13, click here.
Because the LCDs are identical for all states in the jurisdiction, the LCD page is being redesigned so providers will select by jurisdiction prior to viewing the LCDs. This will simplify the selection process and avoid confusion with medical policy differences.
June 13, 2008 – Part B Texas/Indian Health Service (IHS) Provider Contact Center (PCC)Interactive Voice Response (IVR) System and Teletypewriter (TTY) Toll-Free Numbers Changed
On June 13, 2008, the Part B Texas/IHS PCC, IVR and TTY numbers will be changed as follows. Please note these numbers are currently used by Part B Colorado, Oklahoma and Texas providers:
-
Part B PCC – Colorado/New Mexico/Oklahoma/Texas/IHS: (866) 280-6520.
- Part B IVR – Colorado/New Mexico/Oklahoma/Texas/IHS: (877) 567-9230.
- Part B TTY – Colorado/New Mexico/Oklahoma/Texas/IHS: (866) 566-9163.
June 16, 2008 – Part A Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas PCC/IVR and TTY Toll-Free Numbers Changed
On June 16, 2008, the Part A PCC/IVR and TTY numbers will be changed as follows. Please note that these numbers are currently used by Part A IHS providers.
- Part A PCC/IVR – Colorado/New Mexico/Oklahoma/Texas/IHS: (866) 640-9202.
- Part A TTY – Colorado/New Mexico/Oklahoma/Texas/IHS: (866) 744-1660.
June 16, 2008 – J4 MAC Implementation Listserv Merged
On June 16, 2008, all J4 MAC Implementation listserv subscribers will be merged into the TrailBlazer general listserv. The general listservs are normally sent twice a week and include Part A and Part B notifications of CMS mandates, updated LCDs, newly released newsletters/bulletins and educational resources. Providers should also subscribe to the other available provider-/service-specific mailing lists. The TrailBlazer Listserv page can be accessed by clicking here.
July 1, 2008 – TrailBlazer J4 MAC Web Site Retired
The J4 MAC Web site will no longer be available July 1, 2008, and providers will be redirected to the regular TrailBlazer Web site at: http://www.trailblazerhealth.com.
The TrailBlazer Web site is the primary communication and outreach tool used to notify providers of Medicare changes, LCDs, and education and training events. The Web site includes a variety of interactive self-service tools and educational resources, and the Special Provider Types topic pages are a one-stop resource for specialized instructions and materials.
July 1, 2008 – New Provider Inquiry E-Mail Addresses
TrailBlazer will close the J4 MAC e-mail box (j4mac@trailblazerhealth.com) initially established to expedite J4 MAC implementation inquiries, the parta.educ@trailblazerhealth and partb.educ@trailblazerhealth.com e-mail boxes used for provider education inquiries and the parta@trailblazerhealth.com and partb.tx@trailblazerhealth.com e-mail boxes used for routine provider inquiries.
For e-mail inquiries sent on or after July 1, 2008, providers should use the following e-mail addresses:
Click here for additional information.
